Legendary actor Peter O'Toole has had a change of heart over the honorary Oscar planned for him at next month's Academy Awards. The iconic performer had written to organisers asking them to defer the award for another ten years, saying he was "still in the game and might win the lovely bugger outright".
The 70-year-old has been nominated for best actor seven times, but has always gone home empty-handed. It now seems he will accept the honour, however, after movie bosses assured him he could still win best actor. Academy president Frank Pierson wrote to the Irish star in an effort to change his mind, saying: "The award is for achievement and contribution to the art of the motion picture, not for retirement."
He also pointed out that Paul Newman won the same award in 1987. He accepted the gong via satellite link, saying: "I hope that my best work is down the pike, ahead of me and not behind." The following year he took home the prestigious best actor trophy for The Colour Of Money.
Peter O'Toole has now said he will attend the March 23 ceremony and his decision is being taken as a sign of willingness to receive the prize. The only other figures to have refused an Oscar are George C Scott (Patton, 1970) Marlon Brando (The Godfather, 1972) and screenwriter Dudley Nichols (The Informer, 1935).